Watson throws for 3 TDs in No. 5 Clemson’s 34-17 victory

Quarterback Deshaun Watson passed for a season-high 420 yards and No. 5 Clemson posted 522 yards against Boston College Saturday night at Memorial Stadium. Meanwhile, the Tigers’ defense was stellar once again, and Clemson is now through half the season without a loss. Boston College has lost its last two games by baseball-like scores of 9-7 and 3-0, and now the 3-3 Eagles look to regroup on the road against their toughest opponent of the season. Quarterback Jeff Smith completed just 7 of 22 passes for 87 yards, but he had a touchdown pass and a 1-yard touchdown run. He missed several wide-open receivers on long downfield routes and threw two interceptions in the half.

His play has been steady, but without the “wow” moments – until Boston College. Defensively, Boston College football yields 98.7 yards in passing (1st) and 41.7 yards in rushing (1st). The Eagles hadn’t allowed more than 228 yards in a game this season, but Clemson more than doubled that.

Sophomore wide receiver Artavis Scott was Watson’s favorite target, making 10 receptions for 162 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown.

Despite the discouraging opening, Watson instantly responded, pioneering a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on Clemson’s subsequent possession while capping it off with a game-tying touchdown rush from four yards out.

Clemson Tigers (5-0) are coming from a 43-24 win over Georgia Tech last week. Cain then turned upfield and marched all the way to the BC one-yard line, setting up a six-yard touchdown connection between Watson and tight end Jordan Leggett to give Clemson a 34-10 lead with 6:38 remaining in the contest.

Linebacker Steven Daniels had the other right before halftime, leading to Mike Knoll’s 21-yard field goal that drew the Eagles to within 17-10 at the half. Boston College enters play with a 3-3 record and is 2-3 against the spread, while Clemson is 5-0 overall and 3-2 at the betting window.